Without Borders - Unifying Modern Patchwork Cities

Title: Without Borders: Unifying Modern Patchwork Cities
Summary: This thesis examines the question, how can American cities be
designed or modifi ed to create a more unifi ed city, making it available to
anyone who wishes to live or work within the city? A neighborhood within
a city is the typology for examining the answer to the thesis question. The
Theoretical Premise driving this research is ‘to create a better sense of social
cohesion within the city,” and to minimize the borders that create the economic
‘patchwork effect’ while maintaining the cultural richness and bricolage that
lures many people to live and work within its boundaries.’ The Justifi cation for
the project is that social groups should not be forced into isolation from one
another if the economic patchwork effect is ever going to be minimized. People
should have access to the same amenities regardless of class and race, which
can improve the living standards of low-income residents.
In order to retain the character and appeal of Chicago and other cities, the
connections within the city should be strengthened rather than weakened by
the economic patchwork effect. The citizens, developers, private landowners,
and the government will all be potentially affected by the thesis project, and
could benefi t from the strengthening of connections throughout the city. Major
components of the project include identifying residential areas that can be
improved within the selected neighborhood. Improving residential, community,
park spaces, and water quality will be the other major componenets. One
neighborhood will be identifi ed and analyzed in the larger context of the city
based on the economic and social status of the neighborhood. This thesis is
about understanding the reasons why the neighborhood is disadvantaged and
what conditions the residents live in; as well as how this neighborhood relates
to the city as a whole. This project will explore ways to increase the living
standards of the economically disadvantaged by creating a healthier living
and working environment, which will allow for more social cohesion within
the neighborhood and increase the social mobility of the residents. A mixedmethod,
qualitative, and quantitative approach will be used to research and
analyze the site. A concurrent transformative strategy will be used to guide the
premise. Graphs, charts, sketches, text, GIS maps, digital models, and montages
will be used to illustrate the analysis.
Typology: A neighborhood within a city
Key Words: Patchwork City, Unity, Eliminating Borders, Citizens,
Chicago, Social Cohesion, Economically Disadvantaged, Developments,
Neighborhoods, Connections, Water Quality